The role of apolipoproteins as genetic biomarkers in schizophrenia: a systematic review

Wan Mohd Zani, Wan Noorainna Fatimi and Abd. Rahim, Nour El Huda and A. Talib, Norlelawati and Abdull Jalil, Mohd Asyraf and Kaderi, Mohd Arifin and Mohamed Bakrim, Norbaiyah and Wan Salleh, Wan Muhamad Salahudin and Mohan, Rinesh Ram and Azman, Norainin Sofiya and Mat Rasid, Siti Norain (2026) The role of apolipoproteins as genetic biomarkers in schizophrenia: a systematic review. Medical Journal of Malaysia, 81 (1). pp. 180-194. ISSN 0300-5283

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Abstract

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder involving genetic, environmental, and neurodevelopmental factors. Despite significant progress in identifying several genetic contributors to schizophrenia, the role of apolipoproteins in lipid metabolism, neurodevelopment, and neuroprotection remains underexplored. This systematic review aims to synthesise existing genetic studies on apolipoproteins associated with schizophrenia to clarify their potential role in the disorder’s pathogenesis. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Scopus databases, involving studies published from 2004 to 2023 and limited to English. Keywords included “schizophrenia,” “apolipoprotein,” “genetic,” and “genetics.” Non-research publications such as books, reviews, editorials, letters to editors, short communications, book series, chapters, and conference proceedings were excluded. Only peer-reviewed journal articles were selected to ensure the reliability and credibility of the systematic review. Results: A total of 41 articles were included in the review, with four key themes identified. These themes addressed specific aspects of apolipoproteins in schizophrenia, including their roles in schizophrenia susceptibility, lipid metabolism, and cognitive functions. This review presents a novel synthesis of these studies, focusing on the underexplored roles of apolipoprotein genes, including APOE, APOL, APOD, APOA, APOC, APOER2, and APOBEC, in schizophrenia. Conclusion: This systematic review provides a comprehensive understanding of the genetics of apolipoproteins in schizophrenia, particularly in relation to lipid metabolism. The findings suggest future research directions to enhance understanding of schizophrenia pathogenesis and highlight the importance of targeted research to identify specific genetic biomarkers for therapeutic interventions.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Genetics, apolipoprotein, lipid metabolism, schizophrenia, systematic review
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RB Pathology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Biomedical Science (Effective:1st July 2011) Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Basic Medical Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Pathology & Lab Medicine Kulliyyah of Medicine
Depositing User:	Dr Nour El Huda Abd Rahim
Date Deposited:	24 Feb 2026 13:03
Last Modified:	24 Feb 2026 13:03
Queue Number:	2026-02-Q2221
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/127525

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